Often when we think of sugar we picture things like a chocolate bar, biscuit or cake but sugar can come in all shapes and forms. It is these ‘hidden’ sugars that can end up doing the most damage to our overall health.

On average Australian adults consume 60 grams (15 teaspoons) of added sugar per day and children aged 14-18yrs old consume 81.9 grams (20 teaspoons) per day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends limiting added sugar consumption to less than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day to reduce the risk of tooth decay and other health problems.

Fruits, vegetables and dairy products all contain natural sugars as well as containing fibre and other nutrients. These foods are a much healthier option compared to processed and packaged foods.

On packaged food labels, you can find sugars included in the ingredients list and on the nutrition information label. Avoiding sugar all together is not necessary but becoming aware of hidden sugars and avoiding large amounts of added sugar will reduce your risk of tooth decay and other health issues like diabetes and obesity.

We all know soft drinks, baked goods, lollies, flavoured milks and desserts have high amounts of sugar but it is the hidden sugars you need to watch out for. Keep an eye on the added sugar to foods you might not typically think of as sugary foods, such as:

Sauces, including condiments, stir fry sauces, pizza and pasta sauces

Salad dressings

Fruit juices

Bread

Yoghurts

Muesli and breakfast cereals

Alcoholic drinks

Iced tea

Protein bars

Helpful tips to lower your risk of tooth decay:

Avoid sugary drinks. Drink water instead.

Avoid food and drink that contains more than 15g of sugar (or alternative names for sugar) per 100g in contents.

Wisdom teeth that are coming through can sometimes be very painful and you cannot always get an appointment to see a dentist straight away. Food and bacteria can get stuck in the gum and around the wisdom tooth which can lead to tooth decay and gum infections. Below are some home care tips to bring you temporary relief.

1. Warm Salt Water Rinses

Salt is one of the oldest products used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The use of salt promotes healing as it creates an environment which temporarily increases the pH balance of your mouth. This is an environment that bacteria struggle to survive in. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, gently swish water around your mouth for 1 minute and then spit out. Repeat this process 3 times a day for the most effective relief. Rinsing with a warm salt water rinse may also help treat the infection and reduce the discomfort due the natural disinfectant properties of salt.

2. Ice

If swelling occurs in the area, use an ice pack to help reduce the inflammation. The ice will help relieve the pain as well.

3. Cloves

Clove is an amazing home remedy, and actually helps prevent infection from occurring. Clove has anaesthetic properties that will help numb the affected area as well as the antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Using a cotton ball, apply a small amount of clove oil to the tooth and the gums surrounding it until the pain stops. Repeat this several times a day. Alternatively you can use a whole clove, placing the clove inside your mouth and keeping it in until you feel a numbing sensation.

4. Cucumber Slices

If your wisdom teeth start to ache, Place cold cucumber slices onto the affected area. This will help soothe the ache and take away the pain.

5. Tea Bags

Tea bags are a great way to help reduce pain and swelling due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Place a damp tea bag on the affected area for almost instant pain relief.

6. Pain Relief Medication

Taking pain relief will temporarily help reduce the discomfort.

7. Antibacterial Mouth Rinse

Using an antibacterial mouthwash will help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of food particles getting stuck underneath the gums. Antibacterial mouth rinses help prevent dental plaque formation which reduces gingival inflammation and promotes healing.

8. Avoid Hard, Hot, Spicy or Sugary Foods

Stick to a soft food diet if you are experiencing pain as this will help keep the tooth comfortable. Avoid eating hot or spicy foods as they encourage an increase in blood circulation which intensifies toothache pain. Sugary food will encourage bacterial growth and therefore increase the chances of infection.

9. Avoid Smoking

Tobacco and nicotine slow your ability to heal, they also irritate the gums which will worsen the toothache.

10. Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water will help flush the area and reduce the risk of food from getting stuck under the gums, causing swelling and inflammation in the area.

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Our home care tips will not cure the problem, these are just steps to manage the pain till you see a dentist.

Tooth decay occurs when food particles or acids are left on the teeth after eating and are not brushed away, this softens the enamel until a hole or decay forms.

Even babies can develop tooth decay if good feeding habits aren’t practiced. Putting a baby to sleep with a bottle might be convenient but it can harm your baby’s teeth. When the sugars from juice or milk remain on a baby’s teeth for hours, they can eat away at the enamel, this leads to a condition known as nursing bottle decay. Pitted or discoloured front teeth are signs of decay. Kids with severe cases might need all their front teeth pulled out (permanent teeth will still grow later if present).

Parents and childcare providers should help young children set specific times for drinking each day because sucking on a bottle throughout the day can be equally damaging to young teeth. Babies as young as 6 months are encouraged to switch from a bottle to a “Sippy cup” (with a straw or hard spout). By 12 months of age, they’ll have the motor skills and coordination to use the cup on their own.

Top tips to stop decay

Start teaching your children good oral habits early. Brushing their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly.

The regular use of fluoride helps toughen the enamel, making it harder for acid to penetrate the tooth. Most towns tap water is fluoridated, but some are not. If your water supply is not fluoridated or if your family uses purified water, ask your dentist for other ways to get fluoride. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, but toothpaste alone will not fully protect a child’s teeth.

Sugary foods, juices, lollies (especially sticky gummy lollies, lolly vitamins, or fruit leather or “roll-ups”) can erode enamel and cause decay. If your kids eat these foods, make sure they rinse their mouth after eating to wash away the sugar. If they are taking sweetened liquid medicines, always have your child rinse afterward.

Ask your dentist to put “fissure sealants” on your child’s teeth

Fissure Sealants

One of the most common area’s children get decay is in the grooves of their back molar and premolar teeth. This is because these teeth have ‘pits’ (small hollows) and ‘fissures’ (grooves) on their biting surfaces. An excellent and essential way to prevent decay from destroying your teeth is to get your teeth sealed with a “Fissure Sealant”.

Fissure sealants are a coating that fills in the natural grooves of the teeth to protect them from dental plaque and acids thereby reducing the occurrence of tooth decay.

Fissure Sealants are very easily applied and only take a few minutes each to complete. The child lies back in the chair and the area of the tooth being sealed is padded out with cotton wool rolls, absorbent pads, a salivary ejector or a rubber dam- whatever is necessary to keep it dry and isolated from saliva.

The tooth is cleaned and washed with a brush or cup (sometimes using pumice) to remove any plaque and food debris. A special blue gel is placed on the tooth. This is a mild dental acid that etches the tooth. This is then washed off thoroughly with water. The dental assistant will use suction to remove the water.

The tooth will have a frosty appearance, so you know that it has been etched properly. The fissure sealant then flows like paint into every part of the pattern of the tooth (all the pits and grooves). The material is then set hard (or ‘cured’ as the dentist would say) by the dental assistant with a special blue dental light and the bite will be adjusted if it is too high.

Generally, the tooth will feel a little spongy to bite on, but it will wear and feel normal again within a couple of days. This process is then repeated on all necessary teeth being fissure sealed.

Snack Time

Fissure sealants are a great preventive measure to stop decay but there are also dietary recommendations that you can follow to prevent decay as well. The less sugar you eat, the lower your risk of cavities. We all know that cakes and sweets contain sugar, but it is the ‘hidden’ sugars that can also be found in foods that we wouldn’t expect.

Three types of foods that can increase sugar in our diet are:

Sweet items such as confectionary, chocolate, cakes, pastries and biscuits.

Processed foods that contain added sugar such as cereals and cooking sauces

Foods containing complex carbohydrates such as bread and pasta, which can release sugars in your mouth

Some other things to be aware of when limiting sugar intake are:

Fill Sippy cups with water only: Children shouldn’t sip on sugary drinks or munch on sugary foods for extended periods of time. If you give your child beverages other than water, serve them in a cup or glass and limit consumption time. If you do provide sugary drinks in sippy or other types of cups, instruct children to finish them quickly. Take away the cup after a reasonable amount of time.

Don’t let children go to sleep with bottles: Even milk can cause tooth decay. If you do put your child to sleep with a bottle, it should contain water only.

Limit lollies: Sucking on lollies is another way that kids can extend exposure to sugar. Limit sweets and the time it takes for kids to consume them, and make sure children brush afterward.

Don’t dip dummies: Never dip dummies in sweet substances, such as honey, jam or sugar.

Both adults and children who snack throughout the day have a higher risk of developing tooth decay (dental caries). Oral bacteria digest the sugary substances, producing acid which then attacks the teeth. The frequency of consumption of these treat foods is more detrimental to the teeth than the quantity. It is less harmful to the oral tissues to eat these foods with a meal, rather than between meals.

On Sunday the 25th of November, Clarinda Clinic supported the Starlight Children’s Foundation by taking part in The Color Run 2018!

The Color Run is promoted as The Happiest 5K on the planet. The Color Run encompasses a 5km course which can be walked, run or jogged. At each kilometre the participants are showered in a different coloured powder.

The Melbourne event was held at Flemington Racecourse. 11,000 people took part. We “ran” from the car park, along the horse race barrier area, past the Grandstands, looped along the Maribynong River, around the back of the Grandstands and station and back to the start. After the race we could join in the Finish Festival – music, colour throws, giveaways, food and a well earned slurpee.

The Color Run partners with charities to promote their work within society and highlight the causes for which they stand. The Color Run has raised donations of more than $5 million for 80 charity groups since 2012.

This year their charity partner has been The Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Starlight is home-grown and the broadest reaching children’s charity in Australia. Last year they created over 522,208 Starlight experiences for sick kids and their families.

They support kids of all ages, regardless of their illness or injury. From Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms to Livewire and their Healthier Futures Initiative, Starlight helps brighten the lives of sick kids everywhere across Australia.

Starlight know there’s more to treating an illness than just medicine, that’s why they work hand in hand with health professionals.

Play, art, games and creativity are all important to a child’s well-being and that helps overall health too. Fun, happy experiences are good for the mind and good for the body. (And fun is what they do best!) Just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you stop being a kid. And it shouldn’t mean missing out on all the fun of childhood. So Starlight Children’s Foundation helps sick kids simply be kids.

They replace pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter.

At Starlight Children’s Foundation, they believe FUN fights fear and wins every time!

Our team at Clarinda Clinic had a fantastic time getting covered in a rainbow of colours, running through foam and taking part in the finish festival. We are honoured to have been lucky enough to take part in such a great cause and help raise funds for The Starlight Children’s Foundation so they can continue to help and support sick children all over Australia.

Do not freeze teething rings, as they can get too hard and actually hurt the gums.

Never tie a teething object around your baby’s neck.

Do not use amber teething necklaces. Advocates of amber teething necklaces claim that the stones release a pain-relieving substance that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin but closer scrutiny reveals no scientific evidence to back up those assertions. They can cause strangulation and are a choking hazard if the necklace breaks and the beads come off. This is a great risk, especially during unsupervised time like sleeping.

Do not use teething gels or teething tablets, as their ingredients may be potentially harmful and have serious side effects.

Only use teething biscuits and cold foods when your child is developmentally ready, e.g.; sitting up in a high chair and able to self-feed and never without parental observation.

Dentistry is not just about teeth. The dentist checks your gums, lips, cheeks and the inside of
your mouth at every dental check-up. Your baby should first visit the dentist at either 12
months of age or when their first tooth comes through, whichever comes first. If you notice
anything of concern please call your dentist straight away, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do: Use positive and child friendly terms such as: “seeing the tooth fairy’s friend” or “going
for a ride in the dental chair”.
Do: Lead by example- they will not be scared of the dentist if you are not.
Do: Role play: Practice at home before your dental visit, make a dental visit a fun game,
explain that the dentist takes care of your teeth.
Do: Enjoy it!: Take a photo, have fun with it, this is a significant occasion.

Don’t: Tell your child to be brave- this may make them think it will be scary.
Don’t: Be anxious yourself.
Don’t: Bribe your child into coming.
Don’t: Use the dentist as a punishment or deterrent.
Don’t: Tell your child that it will or won’t hurt.
Don’t: Use words such a “needle” “drill” or “pull”. Your dentist will be well versed in using
child friendly words and meanings to avoid your child becoming fearful or scared e.g.: Your
dentist will use words like “putting your tooth to sleep” or “giving your tooth sleepy juice”
rather than “we will now need to give you a needle”.

In this part 1 of 3 article series, we will look at tips for caring young child’s teeth.

Babies – Cleaning your babies teeth is extremely important. Even before your baby’s first tooth appears it is important to get your baby in the habit of having their gums cleaned. Using a damp gauze or cloth gently wipe your babies gums once a day. As soon as you see their first tooth emerging you must start to clean it at least once a day, again using a damp gauze or cloth and applying a tiny smear (around the size of a grain of rice) of age appropriate fluoride toothpaste and rubbing it around your babies’ teeth and gums.

Alternatively, you can use a small headed, soft bristled toothbrush. Increase to a pea sized amount of age appropriate fluoride toothpaste as more teeth appear.

Toddlers – Sit or stand behind your child in a well lighted area. In front of a mirror is ideal. This will allow your child to see what you’re doing. It’s often easier to sit a toddler on your lap. Use a hand to support their chin. Ask them to open their mouth. Look for any signs of decay, which may appear as white or brown lines on the teeth near to the gums or darkly stained grooves.

Check also for plaque build-up on the teeth near the gum line. Using a pea-sized amount of age appropriate fluoride toothpaste use a small circular motion to brush the surfaces of each tooth and the gums. Brush over the chewing surfaces. Take particular care with the back teeth. After you’ve finished brushing, ask your child to spit out any leftover toothpaste, but don’t rinse.

Avoid giving your child water to swish and spit because this might make swallowing toothpaste more likely. Rinse their toothbrush and allow it to dry. Store it somewhere clean. If your toddler’s teeth touch, you can begin flossing in between them.

Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush

For children aged 0–18 months use only water, no toothpaste.

From 18 months until your child turns six years old use a small pea-sized amount of low fluoride children’s toothpaste along with a soft children’s toothbrush.

From six years of age use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste along with a soft small children’s toothbrush.

Young children need help brushing

In early childhood it is you the parent that must take responsibility to assist in brushing and flossing your child’s teeth. You are accountable for preventing tooth decay, providing your child with a balanced diet and making sure all food, drink and medications taken are sugar free. This along with the correct brushing and flossing techniques will ensure your child stays free from dental disease. Continue to help and monitor your child until they are old enough to do it themselves. Usually at 8 years of age.

Making brushing time fun!

Make brushing a game: You can Invent your own game, with your own story lines. What is most important is that your child becomes interested, which will help them accept the clean.Lead by example: Brush your teeth first to show that brushing is a normal thing, and that everyone brushes their teeth. This will also help you to be more diligent with your own oral care.Look for fun products: Tooth brushes and tooth paste with their favourite character on it. Let them choose their oral care tools making sure it is a kid friendly soft bristle tooth brush and a low fluoride tooth paste.Play a song during brushing: This will help to keep to time (3 mins of brushing is required twice a day). There are many tooth brushing songs available on line.Create a brushing chart: Sign off your child’s success of brushing both morning and night, creating a non-food related reward system.

Oral Care Clayton – As we get older the need for medical care increases and therefore the use of several medications at a time may be necessary. We call this polypharmacy, this can include prescription, over the counter and complementary medicines.

Whilst taking your prescribed medications is necessary and important it can also come with adverse side affects and risk factors. Polypharmacy can affect your oral health vy causing oral mucosal changes and a decrease in salivary flow. It is important to know your risk factors and the side effects of the medications you take to help manage them appropriately.

There are range of medications that can lead to dry mouth. Dry Mouth Syndrome refers to the reduced salivary flow to the mouth, which leads to a ‘dry mouth’. Our dental health and quality of life can be seriously affected by this condition including the affects to dietary habits, nutritional status, speech, taste, difficulty with dental prostheses such as dentures and an increase to your susceptibility to dental decay and oral disease.

Some medications may also contain sugar causing a rise in dental decay. Oral bacteria thrives on any sugar content in these medications and turn them to acids that will harm your tooth enamel (hard-protective outer layer). Normal salivary flow will help wash away these acids thus protecting the tooth but if combined with dry mouth syndrome these acids can lead to detrimental effects to your teeth. Special care must be given to control this condition otherwise the affects can be devastating.

Drugs/Medications that can lead to dry mouth:

Cardiovascular medications (diuretics, calcium channel blockers)

Antidepressants and antipsychotics

Sedatives

Central analgesics

Anti-Parkinson’s medication

Anti-allergy medications

Antacids

It is extremely important to tell your dentist of any medications you are taking and to regularly update any medical changes. Medications can also lead to changes in the mouth such as redness, white patches or ulcers on the soft tissues (cheeks, tongue, gums). It is important to regularly check inside your mouth and let your dentist know of any changes in appearance or concerns at your regular appointment.

At every dental visit your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening and take note of any concerning areas such as ulcers, red or white patches. Your dentist will be able to help educate and provide a management plan to help you control these concerns or adverse side effects.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting with your doctor or health care professional.

Dabbing standard (non-gel) toothpaste onto a mosquito bite will relieve the itching and help take away the redness. If you leave the toothpaste on the site it will also deter you from scratching the area.

2. Style your hair

You can substitute toothpaste for hair gel as they often contain the same water-soluble polymers.

3. Clean your fingernails

Use some toothpaste on an old toothbrush to scrub under your fingernails after painting, arts and crafts or gardening. They will come up clean and bright and the toothpaste will help strengthen the keratin in your nails. A whitening toothpaste used regularly and left on your nails for about five minutes can also help brighten yellowing fingernails.

4. Neaten a home hair colour job

If your home hair colour runs and leaves a stain on your skin, you can quickly remove it with a scrub of toothpaste. Dab the stain with toothpaste and leave it on for a moment before gently rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse with clean water.

5. Get gum out of your hair

Spread toothpaste over the stuck gum and rub until the gum breaks down. Clear away the excess and then thoroughly wash hair. The gum should be completely removed.

6. Pimple cream

Apply a little of non-gel and non-whitening toothpaste on the pimple, and the toothpaste will dehydrate and absorb the the troublesome pimple oil. This remedy is most effective on pimples that have come to a head. Caution: If you have sensitive skin, you may find some irritation

7. Clean your iron

Toothpaste is great for breaking down the mineral deposits that collect on your iron. Use an old toothbrush on a cold iron and scrub the paste into all the little holes on your iron’s back plate. Wipe with damp paper towels until clean and you’re good to iron once more.

8. Clean the bathroom sink

Your bathroom sink will scrub up beautifully with a dab of toothpaste. Squeeze some into the sink, scrub with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.

9. Remove stains from fabric

On clothing, floors or walls toothpaste will clean off lipstick, grass and ink stains. Apply a little toothpaste, gently rub in and rinse off immediately. Repeat until the stain is gone. Remember to do a patch-test for coloured fabrics and surfaces as whitening toothpaste can have a bleaching effect.

10. Clean smells from your hands

The ingredients in toothpaste that deodorize your mouth will work on your hands as well. If you’ve gotten into something stinky, wash your hands with toothpaste, and they’ll smell great.

11. Remove crayon from the walls

Toothpaste will also tackle crayon marks on walls. Put a dab of toothpaste on a damp cloth and gently rub in a circular motion until all the crayon has been lifted. This should be safe for painted surfaces, however if the crayon marks are large, you should try the toothpaste technique out on a small area first. Wait 24 hours to check that the paint has not been affected before tackling a whole wall.

12. Fill a hole in the wall

You can fill small holes on white walls left by hooks or nails with a little toothpaste. Fill the hole and leave to dry completely. Best used only on white walls as paint will not properly adhere to the toothpaste.

13. Remove watermarks from your furniture

To get rid of the irritating watermark rings left by wet beverages, softly rub some non-gel tooth paste on the wooden furniture using a soft cloth. Then wipe off with a wet cloth and allow it to dry before applying any furniture polish.

14. Remove scratches from leather

Scuff marks and light scratches on leather furniture will disappear when rubbed with a dab of toothpaste on a soft cloth. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

15. Clean plastic outdoor furniture

A scrubbing brush and a squeeze of toothpaste are all you need to remove stubborn stains from outdoor plastic furniture. A good scrub will bring it up like new, especially if you use a whitening toothpaste on white furniture.

16. Clean your refrigerator seal

Cleaning the seals of the refrigerator is made easy with toothpaste on a toothbrush. The brush fits perfectly along the seal edges and the toothpaste whisks away all the lurking nasties.

17. Polish the kitchen sink

Your sink will dazzle after a quick polish with toothpaste and a damp cloth. Rub in circular motions before rinsing clean with water. Give it a quick extra polish with a dry cloth. Taps will also benefit from a little toothpaste polishing.

18. Remove soap scum

Toothpaste will remove stubborn soap scum from your shower doors. Apply with a damp cloth and rub in a circular motion. Leave for at least 10 minutes to allow the active ingredients in the toothpaste to lift the gunk. Rinse with the shower head while wiping over with a clean cloth.

19. Clean jewellery

Plain toothpaste (not whitening, nor gel) will clean and give a beautiful shine to silver and diamond jewellery. Add a little to a baby toothbrush and gently rub around the jewellery in a circular motion. Pay attention to crevices and behind small stones. Rinse thoroughly in warm water once finished and polish to a shine with a soft cloth.

20. Clean your sneakers

Scrub your sneakers with a little toothpaste on an old toothbrush and they’ll come up like new. Remove the laces before scrubbing (you can give them a clean with the toothpaste too). Rinse well with warm water when you’re done and pop them toe-side down in the sun to completely dry.

21. Brighten your cars headlights

Grimy headlights can mean a dimmer beam, but a little toothpaste on a cloth will bring the shine back. Rub until clean, rinse with water and then polish with a soft dry cloth.

22. Clean and defog your glasses

The tiniest dab of toothpaste polished into your glasses will help cover small scratches and stop them from fogging up in humidity. You can use the same trick on swimming goggles to stop them fogging up under water too.

23. Polish silver

Use toothpaste on a polishing cloth to bring silverware back to a sparkling shine. Polishing with toothpaste will help prevent rust too.

24. Hang a poster
If you’re out of Blu Tack, you can use a dab of toothpaste on the corners of a poster to hang it on the wall. It will stay up for ages and when you want to remove it, pull it free and then wipe clear any toothpaste residue.

25. Prevent bathroom mirrors from fogging
Coat the mirror with non-gel toothpaste and wipe it off before you get in the shower. When you get out, the mirror won’t be fogged.

26. Clean your piano keys
Clean your piano keys with toothpaste and a toothbrush, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Ivory used to make piano keys is essentially elephant teeth. However, toothpaste will work just as well on modern pianos that usually have keys covered with plastic rather than real ivory.

27. Remove a small scratch from your phone screen

Rub toothpaste on the front or back of your phone (wherever there are scratches). The toothpaste will work to reduce the look of the scratches and make your phone screen look much better.

We found out these fun facts about toothpaste from:
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/21-unexpected-uses-for-toothpaste/news-story/27e991bb970e32a8f8ba9d173403ad66

]]>Use it or Lose ithttp://clarindaclinic.com/use-it-or-lose-it/
Wed, 06 Jun 2018 00:56:23 +0000http://clarindaclinic.com/?p=1883USE IT OR LOSE IT

We’d like to remind you to take a look at your insurance benefits and take advantage of those benefits before the end of the financial year.
If you don’t you may miss out on benefits you have already paid for.

Something of a fun post today! If you have pets, this is worth a read.

Veterinary dentistry focuses on the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxilla-facial region, and its associated structures as it relates to animals.

The Veterinary Dentist is a great website that provides fun facts and videos of the journey and treatment of an extensive range of animals. Cedric Tutt is a Veterinary Dentist and the founder of “The Veterinary Dentist”. Cedric treats domestic animals as well as zoo and wildlife species all around the world.
Visit: http://www.theveterinarydentist.com/ for more facts, videos and information about Veterinary Dentistry.

These are some of our favourite facts.

Domesticated and Zoo animals have many of the same dental conditions we do. They suffer from orthodontic abnormalities, gingivitis, fractured teeth, periodontal bone loss, oral tumours and painful cavities. Fortunately, these conditions are treatable using similar techniques and materials found in human dentistry. Animals accumulate plaque and calculus on their teeth like us.

Plaque, which is soft, can be brushed off the teeth, but when it is allowed to accumulate it becomes mineralised to calculus, which is rough and more plaque retentive than the original smooth tooth surface. The plaque results in an inflammatory response known as gingivitis. When plaque has been removed the gums can return to health and assume normal colour rather than redness and bleeding.

Horses cheek teeth grow at about 3mm per year and wear at about the same rate. However, because of the normal wear patterns the upper cheek teeth develop sharp edges facing the cheeks, while the lower cheek teeth develop sharp edges facing the tongue. To prevent injury to these soft tissues the teeth must be trimmed routinely. For some horses, this means annual routine treatment while others need attention more frequently.

Dolphins. These magnificent marine mammals have up to 25-28 teeth in each jaw which means they have a total of 100-112 teeth. All of the teeth have the same shape, although the first and last teeth in each row are
somewhat smaller than the rest. Dolphins often play with toys to keep themselves amused but these toys may be abrasive leading to excessive wear of the teeth.

Red Pandas like their Giant black and white namesakes are indigenous to China, where their diet is mainly bamboo. These animals have been known to develop tooth decay especially when part of the diet provided adheres to the teeth surface where it ferments forming acid.

This acid damages the enamel on the tooth surface enabling bacteria to enter the dentine causing more damage. When seen early enough in the progression of the disease, the decayed material can be removed, and a dental filling placed to protect the rest of the tooth.

Puppies have 28 teeth and adult dogs 42 teeth. Periodontitis becomes more prevalent with increasing age and therefore it is essential to begin brushing your dog’s teeth while it is still a puppy. Brushing keeps the gums healthy.

Kittens have 26 teeth and adult cats have 30 teeth. Cats have no grinding teeth – only cutting teeth. They are true carnivores and live on a mainly meat diet. Tooth resorption is commonly seen in cats, with prevalence increasing with age.

Rabbits are herbivores which spend 99% of their time in the wild, foraging and eating grass. Their teeth erupt continuously (up to 2 mm per week) but are worn at the same rate when eating grass. Hay can be fed but fresh grass is better.

If you are concerned about your pet’s teeth, visit your veterinarian who may refer you to a specialist animal dentist if complex treatment is needed. There are two specialist veterinarian dentists in Melbourne.

A partial denture is made to replace one or multiple teeth missing on either the upper or lower jaws. A partial denture is usually held in by clasps that are secured to nearby natural healthy teeth. Partial dentures are usually made of either acrylic, metal (cobalt chrome) or a combination of both depending on the best option your dentist recommends for you.

Below are some helpful suggestions to make sure you look after your partial dentures in the best way possible.

Your Dentist will show you how to insert and remove your new dentures. Make sure you can do this properly before leaving the surgery. At home, using a mirror can help to guide you with inserting and removing your new dentures. Your dentures will only fit in one way. Never use force.

Function

Your mouth will need time to adapt to your new dentures even if you have worn dentures before. They may feel different and uncomfortable in the beginning, but just like a new pair of shoes they need time to “wear themselves in”. Your speech may be altered in the beginning but it will return to normal once you are used to wearing the new dentures. Certain words may initially be more difficult to pronounce than others, such as words starting with “s” “f” and “c”.

Eating may initially be difficult as well. Start with eating soft foods (eg. steamed vegetables), taking small bites and chewing slowly. Try to bite with your own teeth rather than the artificial teeth on your denture. Chew on both sides of the mouth and bite at the corners rather than on the front teeth. This will balance the denture while eating and means your denture is less likely to move around.

Overnight Care

Dentures should be removed before going to bed. This allows your mouth to rest and gives the gum tissues time to breath. Clean your dentures thoroughly and place them back in their box or in a glass of water. Removing your dentures at night may also prevent you from unconsciously grinding your teeth at night and therefore wearing out your dentures.

Your Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is extremely important as just like natural teeth plaque, staining and calculus can build up on your denture and bacterial or fungal infections occur on the surrounding tissues. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily as well as brushing and rinsing your denture, gums and tongue to help prevent build up and infection. Stagnation of food and plaque on the denture surfaces abutting the natural teeth places them at a higher than normal risk of decay.

Soreness

At times the gum tissue under your dentures may become painful or uncomfortable. Schedule an appointment to see your dentist for a denture adjustment. You may remove your dentures if the pain is unbearable but it is extremely important to wear your denture for one day before your dental appointment as this will help the dentist see the area where adjustments are needed.

Maintenance

Your dentures should be cleaned after every meal to ensure they are free from bacteria and plaque. When cleaning your denture use a soft brush or toothbrush and hold it over a towel or basin of water to cushion the fall in case you drop it. Brush both the inside and outside surfaces of your denture with either a toothpaste or warm soapy water.

If tarter build up is noticed and is not being successfully removed, make an appointment with your dentist to have your dentures professionally cleaned. Do not use hot water, kitchen detergents, abrasives, laundry bleaches, methylated spirits or antiseptics. Even after wearing your dentures for months or years they may need to be adjusted, clasps/clips may need tightening and dentures may need relining (new fitting surface) as your mouth continues to change.

If you damage or break your denture, stop wearing it immediately and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Do not tamper with your dentures, glue pieces back together or modify the clasps in any way as it may result in permanent damage to your denture.

An immediate denture is a denture created to be inserted on the same day/appointment the tooth/ teeth are removed. The denture is fitted straight away which allows the patient to avoid a time period without teeth. Once the denture is completed the tooth/teeth will be extracted and the immediate denture will be put in straight away.

These instructions are to help guide you to obtain comfort and efficiency from your new immediate denture.

Do not remove your denture until the dentist does it the next day. It is extremely important to keep your denture in place overnight as the tissues are likely to swell and if you remove your denture too early it will not be possible to put your denture back in place and it may cause your gum tissues to heal in a non ideal position.

If your denture becomes loose, put it back in place straight away. At your review appointment your dentist will show you how to insert and remove your new dentures. Make sure you can do this properly before leaving the surgery. At home, using a mirror can help to guide you with inserting and removing your new dentures. Your dentures will only fit in one way. Never use force.

Function

Once the tooth/teeth are extracted the immediate denture will be put in straight away. When a tooth/teeth are extracted your gums will heal and shrink as the bone in that area does not need to support your tooth/teeth anymore. Most of these changes will occur during the first three months after the extraction process and due to these changes your denture may become loose and not fit as well as it should. If this happens a denture reline will be necessary. This is quite normal.

Using a denture adhesive can be a great aide in the process of waiting for a denture reline. This may give you added confidence to make sure your denture stays in place. The denture adhesive is applied to the fitting (inside) surface of the denture. It is then placed in the mouth and with the presence of water from your saliva, the material swells and creates a grip between your denture and your gums. It improves the retention and stability of wearing your denture.

Your mouth will need time to adapt to your new dentures even if you have worn dentures before. They may feel different and uncomfortable in the beginning, but just like a new pair of shoes they need time to “wear themselves in”. Your speech may be altered in the beginning but it will return to normal once you are used to wearing the new dentures. Certain words may initially be more difficult to pronounce than others, such as words starting with “s” “f” and “c”.

Eating may initially be difficult as well. Start with eating soft foods (eg. steamed vegetables), taking small bites and chewing slowly. Try to bite with your own teeth if any remain rather than the artificial teeth on your denture. Chew on both sides of the mouth and bite at the corners rather than on the front teeth. This will balance the denture while eating and means your denture is less likely to move around.

Pain

Take the advised pain relief as required as you will most likely be sore. If you are experiencing severe pain please call to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Soreness is expected with any new denture as there may be areas that are rubbing or pinching and especially with an immediate denture where teeth have been removed. If you are experiencing pain under your denture it may need to be adjusted at your next review appointment. If you do not have a review appointment contact your dentist.

Important Information

Take care not to bite or burn your lips, cheek or tongue whilst you’re are still numb.

Do not have anything too hot. Hot foods and drink will cause the area to bleed and it may also be painful as it can burn the healing area.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after an extraction. This can stop the area from healing properly which may cause the area to get infected.

If you continue to bleed in the early stages after the extraction, bite firmly on a handkerchief or gauze for 30 minutes to help stop the bleeding whilst keeping the denture in place. If bleeding persist call your dentist or doctor.

Do not remove your denture until the review appointment. It is extremely important to keep your denture in place overnight as the area is likely to swell and if you remove your denture too early it will not be possible to put your denture back in place and it may cause your gum tissues to heal in a non ideal position. If your denture becomes loose, put it back in place straight away.

Stick with eating soft foods only until your dentists advises you otherwise.

Four hours after having a tooth extraction you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and if necessary brush and floss your remaining teeth.

Take the advised pain relief as required as you will most likely be sore. If you are experiencing severe pain please call to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Make sure you attend your review appointments. It is certain an adjustment will be required to make your dentures more comfortable. This is an excellent time for your dentist to check the healing socket areas.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Immediate Dentures

Advantages:

You will not have to walk around without teeth or with a gap in your smile.

You will have better healing as the denture stabilises the blood clots underneath.

The denture will trick your brain into thinking it still needs bone to support your teeth, resulting in less shrinkage in that area.

Your denture will enable you to continue to chew and function as normal.

An immediate denture is easily adjusted.

Allows the dentist to copy the alignment, colour and height of your existing teeth to make the denture as natural looking as possible.

Disadvantages:

You do not have the luxury of a try-in stage.

An immediate denture usually will need one or more relines.

There is quite a lot of guesswork involved especially with a full denture.

You may need multiple adjustments.

You may need to use a denture adhesive to help the denture stay in place before a reline can be done.

Maintenance

Your dentures should be cleaned after every meal to ensure they are free from bacteria and plaque. When cleaning your denture use a soft brush or toothbrusg and hold it over a towel or basin of water to cushion the fall in case you drop it. Brush both the inside and outside surfaces of your denture with either a toothpaste or warm soapy water. If tarter build up is noticed and is not being successfully removed, make an appointment with your dentist to have your dentures professionally cleaned.

Do not use hot water, kitchen detergents, abrasives, laundry bleaches, methylated spirits or antiseptics. Even after wearing your dentures for months or years they may need to be adjusted, clasps/clips may need tightening and dentures may need relining (new fitting surface) as your mouth continues to change.

If you damage or break your denture, stop wearing it immediately and schedule an appointment in with your dentist. Do not tamper with your dentures, glue pieces back together or modify the clasps in any way as it may result in permanent damage to your denture.

For more queries on your dentures or on general oral care, call us on 03 9551 4599

A full denture is a removable prosthesis made when all your natural teeth are missing either on the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. A full denture is supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Full dentures are made of an acrylic material.

Below are some helpful suggestions to make sure you look after your full dentures in the best way possible.

Insertion As Well as Removal

Your Dentist will demonstrate how to insert and take out your new dentures. Make sure you understand properly before leaving the surgery. At home using a mirror can help to guide you with inserting and removing your new dentures. Your dentures will only fit in one way. You do not need to use force.

Function

Whether you have used dentures before, your mouth will need time to adapt to your new dentures even They may feel different and uncomfortable in the beginning, but just like a new pair of shoes they need time to “wear themselves in”.

Your speech may be altered in the beginning but it will return to normal once you are used to wearing the new dentures. Certain words may initially be more difficult to pronounce than others, such as words starting with “s” “f” and “c”.

Eating may initially be difficult as well. Start with eating soft foods (eg. steamed vegetables), taking small bites and chewing slowly. Chew on both sides of the mouth and bite down at the corners rather than on the front teeth. This will balance the denture while eating and means your denture is less likely to move around.

Overnight Care

Remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows your mouth to rest and gives gum tissues time to breath. Clean the dentures really well and place it back in their box or in a cup of water. Removing your dentures at night may also prevent you from unconsciously grinding your teeth at night and therefore wearing out your dentures.

Your Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is extremely important as just like natural teeth, plaque, stain and calculus can build up on your denture and bacterial or fungal infections occur on the surrounding tissues. Brushing and rinsing your denture, gums and tongue will help prevent build up and infection.

Pain/Adjustments

At times the gum tissue under your dentures may become painful or uncomfortable. Schedule an appointment to see your dentist for a denture adjustment. You may remove your dentures if the pain is unbearable but it is extremely important to wear your denture for one day before your dental appointment as this will help the dentist see the areas where adjustments are needed.

Maintenance

Your dentures should be cleaned after every meal to ensure they are free from bacteria and plaque. When cleaning your denture use a soft brush or toothbrush and hold it over a towel or basin of water to cushion the fall in case you drop it.

Brush the inside as well as the outside surfaces of the denture with either a toothpaste or warm soapy water. If tartar build up is noticed and is not being successfully removed, make an appointment with your dentist to have your dentures professionally cleaned.

Avoid using hot water, kitchen detergents, abrasives, laundry bleaches, methylated spirits and antiseptics. Even after wearing your dentures for months or years they may need to be adjusted. They may need relining (new fitting surface) as your mouth continues to change with time.

Dentures are delicate and can break so it is important to take good care of them. If you damage or break your denture, stop using it immediately and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Do not tamper with or glue pieces back together as it may result in permanent damage to your denture.

For a Professional Consultation With One Of Our Friendly Team Members, Call 03 9551 4599